The Pungent Vegetable That Will Ward Off Pesky Centipedes

Among those creepy crawlies you'll find at home that send shivers down your spine, centipedes are probably within the top five on your list. While centipedes do play a role in controlling other pests like spiders, mites, roaches, and flies, having them indoors can be unsettling. And although their venom isn't usually dangerous to humans, their bite can be painful and cause localized swelling, and can even lead to infection in severe cases, per Adams Exterminating Company. Thankfully, there's a natural and effective solution that can help you keep centipedes at bay — garlic!

That's right, this kitchen staple known for its strong aroma and culinary uses can be a potent tool in your centipede-repelling arsenal. Its pungent scent, which we find enticing in our stir-fries, is a major turn-off for centipedes. These creatures rely heavily on their sense of smell and touch to hunt for prey and navigate their surroundings, and garlic's overpowering odor can confuse and repel them. Besides making your home an inhospitable place for centipedes, garlic is an affordable, eco-friendly, and safe alternative to chemical pesticides, keeping your home toxin-free. But how exactly can you use garlic to keep centipedes away? Well, we've got the solution right here. So, get ready to tap into the power of garlic for natural pest control and have a centipede-free home.

Now that you already know why garlic is an excellent natural solution for keeping centipedes out of your home, it's time to make your own garlic spray. Simply crush four to six garlic cloves and mix them in 2 quarts of hot water. Allow the mixture to cool before transferring it into a spray bottle. You can also let the garlic steep for a few hours or overnight to ensure a strong infusion. Spray the garlic solution in areas where you've spotted centipedes or suspect their presence. Pay special attention to entry points like doors and windows, as well as damp areas like basements and bathrooms. The strong garlic scent will create an unfriendly environment for centipedes, deterring them from entering your home.

Aside from spraying centipede haunts with this garlic solution, it's important to complement your efforts with other simple yet effective steps. This includes keeping your place dry or eliminating excess moisture by fixing leaks and ensuring proper drainage around your home. Inspect your house and foundation for cracks and gaps centipedes can use to get inside your home. Also, make sure to get rid of clutter and clean your home regularly. By combining these simple solutions with the power of garlic, you can make your home less appealing to centipedes and reduce the likelihood of an infestation.